Hmm. What do I sell, KP or K-3?? Change my mind!

**rosettaquarrier** · 10-11-2019, 01:37 PM

Ok, so I have a two KP's (Black and Silver) and a K-3. Clearly overkill, so selling one body on to fund glass.

I was going to sell my Silver KP and keep the K-3, but on a recent road-trip I took both of them along and pretty much consistently preferred my images from the KP to the K-3. The trip ranged from landscape to astro and also some at a haunted town with evening shots hand-held at high ISO.

I do have the KP grip to help mitigate battery issues and to have a spare SD card on hand (although my example is faulty and will likely be returned to the vendor under warranty in the next week or so).

I'm leaning to keeping both KP's until the K-3 replacement comes out.

So the K-3 (with grip) may be headed to the marketplace.Here's your chance for input - change my mind!!

**aslyfox** · 10-11-2019, 01:43 PM - **1 Like**

what does the K 3 offer to you that the K P doesn't

Pentax KP vs. Pentax K-3 - Pentax Camera Comparison - PentaxForums.com

if the K 3 offers something different than the K P

is the difference worth something to you ?

remember you will be keeping one K P

what is the advantage of having two of the same camera bodies?

I fail to see it note there are small differences between my K 3 and K 3 II

**luftfluss** · 10-11-2019, 01:47 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by rosettaquarrier

Ok, so I have a two KP's (Black and Silver) and a K-3. Clearly overkill, so selling one body on to fund glass.

I was going to sell my Silver KP and keep the K-3, but on a recent road-trip I took both of them along and pretty much consistently preferred my images from the KP to the K-3. The trip ranged from landscape to astro and also some at a haunted town with evening shots hand-held at high ISO.

I do have the KP grip to help mitigate battery issues and to have a spare SD card on hand (although my example is faulty and will likely be returned to the vendor under warranty in the next week or so).

I'm leaning to keeping both KP's until the K-3 replacement comes out.

So the K-3 (with grip) may be headed to the marketplace.Here's your chance for input - change my mind!!

It seems to me that unless you prefer to use the K-3 w/grip to balance large lenses - that's what I do - you may indeed be better off with dual KP's.

ZombieArmy · 10-11-2019, 01:51 PM - **2 Likes**

The K-3 has some of the weakest dynamic range out of the recent releases, even being a step back from the k-5. I think unless you need it specifically for something I'd drop the K-3 and stick with dual KPs. Even if ergos are a problem I think you'd be better off just getting the battery grip for the KP.

Personally I'd rather have a K-5IIs as a side camera over a K-3...

**beachgardener** · 10-11-2019, 01:54 PM - **1 Like**

the burst rate, frames per second, if you need that then the K-3 is ahead, but I can imagine that the next model will have equal or better.

**aslyfox** · 10-11-2019, 02:04 PM - **1 Like**

if the goal is to raise funds

which do you think would bring the most $

**rosettaquarrier** · 10-11-2019, 02:14 PM - **1 Like**

Some good responses, thanks. Funds are not the overriding concern, so I'm not too bothered about the possible differential there.

If I go to, say, Bonneville Salt Flats for speed week, or an airshow, two bodies is a must with different focal lengths - I used to think K-3 for higher burst rate, but I've really not found that to be an issue with the KP. I suppose the top lcd and two card slots, but they are not really enough to sway me against better IQ and low light performance from the KP.

I use the bigger grip on the KP, the battery grip helps with balance for my bigger lenses.

reh321 · 10-11-2019, 02:14 PM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by rosettaquarrier

Ok, so I have a two KP's (Black and Silver) and a K-3. Clearly overkill, so selling one body on to fund glass.

I was going to sell my Silver KP and keep the K-3, but on a recent road-trip I took both of them along and pretty much consistently preferred my images from the KP to the K-3. The trip ranged from landscape to astro and also some at a haunted town with evening shots hand-held at high ISO.

I do have the KP grip to help mitigate battery issues and to have a spare SD card on hand (although my example is faulty and will likely be returned to the vendor under warranty in the next week or so).

I'm leaning to keeping both KP's until the K-3 replacement comes out.

So the K-3 (with grip) may be headed to the marketplace.Here's your chance for input - change my mind!!

I would think that the K-3 is 'ahead" only if
* you take lots of BIF or other photos in which the larger buffer of the K-3 is an advantage
* you regularly use the shoulder LCD to confirm your settings.

If neither of those conditions apply, I would quickly get rid of the K-3 - and one if the KPs - before the K-3ii replacement is announced.

**rosettaquarrier** · 10-11-2019, 02:41 PM

Great points! Want to buy a K-3??

Originally posted by reh321

I would think that the K-3 is 'ahead" only if
* you take lots of BIF or other photos in which the larger buffer of the K-3 is an advantage
* you regularly use the shoulder LCD to confirm your settings.

If neither of those conditions apply, I would quickly get rid of the K-3 - and one if the KPs - before the K-3ii replacement is announced.

**Archimedes the Dog** · 10-11-2019, 02:46 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by reh321

I would think that the K-3 is 'ahead" only if
* you take lots of BIF or other photos in which the larger buffer of the K-3 is an advantage
* you regularly use the shoulder LCD to confirm your settings.

If neither of those conditions apply, I would quickly get rid of the K-3 - and one if the KPs - before the K-3ii replacement is announced.

I did a lot of reading and research and chose the KP, personally, to replace my battered K-5, and this is a great summary.

reh321 · 10-11-2019, 03:21 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by rosettaquarrier

Great points! Want to buy a K-3??

I purchased a KP specifically because I seldom need/want "high seed" shooting even on K-30, and I seldom go through even one battery.

ZombieArmy · 10-11-2019, 03:22 PM

Originally posted by rosettaquarrier

Great points! Want to buy a K-3??

I got about 5 bucks and a stick of gum.

**rosettaquarrier** · 10-11-2019, 03:24 PM

Haha I'll pass

Originally posted by ZombieArmy

I got about 5 bucks and a stick of gum.

Adam · 10-11-2019, 03:27 PM - **1 Like**

Your decision to hang on to the KPs sounds like a good one. The K-3 replacement is at least on the horizon now, so I'm sure you'll be able to upgrade relatively soon, if that's what you were planning to do regardless.

Vmax911 · 10-11-2019, 03:36 PM - **2 Likes**

Well definitely keep the silver KP, because you know the new flagship will only be available in black!

10-11-2019, 01:37 PM	#1
rosettaquarrier Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Sandy, UT Photos: Albums Posts: 1,099	Hmm. What do I sell, KP or K-3?? Change my mind! Ok, so I have a two KP's (Black and Silver) and a K-3. Clearly overkill, so selling one body on to fund glass. I was going to sell my Silver KP and keep the K-3, but on a recent road-trip I took both of them along and pretty much consistently preferred my images from the KP to the K-3. The trip ranged from landscape to astro and also some at a haunted town with evening shots hand-held at high ISO. I do have the KP grip to help mitigate battery issues and to have a spare SD card on hand (although my example is faulty and will likely be returned to the vendor under warranty in the next week or so). I'm leaning to keeping both KP's until the K-3 replacement comes out. So the K-3 (with grip) may be headed to the marketplace.Here's your chance for input - change my mind!!

10-11-2019, 01:43 PM - 1 Like	#2
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	what does the K 3 offer to you that the K P doesn't Pentax KP vs. Pentax K-3 - Pentax Camera Comparison - PentaxForums.com if the K 3 offers something different than the K P is the difference worth something to you ? remember you will be keeping one K P what is the advantage of having two of the same camera bodies? I fail to see it note there are small differences between my K 3 and K 3 II Last edited by aslyfox; 10-11-2019 at 01:50 PM.

10-11-2019, 03:27 PM - 1 Like	#14
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Your decision to hang on to the KPs sounds like a good one. The K-3 replacement is at least on the horizon now, so I'm sure you'll be able to upgrade relatively soon, if that's what you were planning to do regardless. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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10-11-2019, 01:47 PM - 1 Like	#3
luftfluss Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,619	Originally posted by rosettaquarrier Ok, so I have a two KP's (Black and Silver) and a K-3. Clearly overkill, so selling one body on to fund glass. I was going to sell my Silver KP and keep the K-3, but on a recent road-trip I took both of them along and pretty much consistently preferred my images from the KP to the K-3. The trip ranged from landscape to astro and also some at a haunted town with evening shots hand-held at high ISO. I do have the KP grip to help mitigate battery issues and to have a spare SD card on hand (although my example is faulty and will likely be returned to the vendor under warranty in the next week or so). I'm leaning to keeping both KP's until the K-3 replacement comes out. So the K-3 (with grip) may be headed to the marketplace.Here's your chance for input - change my mind!! It seems to me that unless you prefer to use the K-3 w/grip to balance large lenses - that's what I do - you may indeed be better off with dual KP's.

10-11-2019, 01:51 PM - 2 Likes	#4
ZombieArmy Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 3,210	The K-3 has some of the weakest dynamic range out of the recent releases, even being a step back from the k-5. I think unless you need it specifically for something I'd drop the K-3 and stick with dual KPs. Even if ergos are a problem I think you'd be better off just getting the battery grip for the KP. Personally I'd rather have a K-5IIs as a side camera over a K-3...

10-11-2019, 01:54 PM - 1 Like	#5
beachgardener Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,842	the burst rate, frames per second, if you need that then the K-3 is ahead, but I can imagine that the next model will have equal or better.

10-11-2019, 02:04 PM - 1 Like	#6
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	if the goal is to raise funds which do you think would bring the most $

10-11-2019, 02:14 PM - 1 Like	#7
rosettaquarrier Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Sandy, UT Photos: Albums Posts: 1,099 Original Poster	Some good responses, thanks. Funds are not the overriding concern, so I'm not too bothered about the possible differential there. If I go to, say, Bonneville Salt Flats for speed week, or an airshow, two bodies is a must with different focal lengths - I used to think K-3 for higher burst rate, but I've really not found that to be an issue with the KP. I suppose the top lcd and two card slots, but they are not really enough to sway me against better IQ and low light performance from the KP. I use the bigger grip on the KP, the battery grip helps with balance for my bigger lenses.

10-11-2019, 02:14 PM - 3 Likes	#8
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,180	Originally posted by rosettaquarrier Ok, so I have a two KP's (Black and Silver) and a K-3. Clearly overkill, so selling one body on to fund glass. I was going to sell my Silver KP and keep the K-3, but on a recent road-trip I took both of them along and pretty much consistently preferred my images from the KP to the K-3. The trip ranged from landscape to astro and also some at a haunted town with evening shots hand-held at high ISO. I do have the KP grip to help mitigate battery issues and to have a spare SD card on hand (although my example is faulty and will likely be returned to the vendor under warranty in the next week or so). I'm leaning to keeping both KP's until the K-3 replacement comes out. So the K-3 (with grip) may be headed to the marketplace.Here's your chance for input - change my mind!! I would think that the K-3 is 'ahead" only if * you take lots of BIF or other photos in which the larger buffer of the K-3 is an advantage * you regularly use the shoulder LCD to confirm your settings. If neither of those conditions apply, I would quickly get rid of the K-3 - and one if the KPs - before the K-3ii replacement is announced.

10-11-2019, 02:41 PM	#9
rosettaquarrier Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Sandy, UT Photos: Albums Posts: 1,099 Original Poster	Great points! Want to buy a K-3?? Originally posted by reh321 I would think that the K-3 is 'ahead" only if * you take lots of BIF or other photos in which the larger buffer of the K-3 is an advantage * you regularly use the shoulder LCD to confirm your settings. If neither of those conditions apply, I would quickly get rid of the K-3 - and one if the KPs - before the K-3ii replacement is announced.

10-11-2019, 02:46 PM - 1 Like	#10
Archimedes the Dog Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 1,146	Originally posted by reh321 I would think that the K-3 is 'ahead" only if * you take lots of BIF or other photos in which the larger buffer of the K-3 is an advantage * you regularly use the shoulder LCD to confirm your settings. If neither of those conditions apply, I would quickly get rid of the K-3 - and one if the KPs - before the K-3ii replacement is announced. I did a lot of reading and research and chose the KP, personally, to replace my battered K-5, and this is a great summary.

10-11-2019, 03:21 PM - 1 Like	#11
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,180	Originally posted by rosettaquarrier Great points! Want to buy a K-3?? I purchased a KP specifically because I seldom need/want "high seed" shooting even on K-30, and I seldom go through even one battery.

10-11-2019, 03:22 PM	#12
ZombieArmy Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 3,210	Originally posted by rosettaquarrier Great points! Want to buy a K-3?? I got about 5 bucks and a stick of gum.

10-11-2019, 03:24 PM	#13
rosettaquarrier Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Sandy, UT Photos: Albums Posts: 1,099 Original Poster	Haha I'll pass Originally posted by ZombieArmy I got about 5 bucks and a stick of gum.

10-11-2019, 03:36 PM - 2 Likes	#15
Vmax911 Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ABQ Photos: Gallery Posts: 826	Well definitely keep the silver KP, because you know the new flagship will only be available in black!